Hat-trick of North Riding County FA Grassroots awards for York football clubs

YORK football clubs collected a hat-trick of accolades at the North Riding County FA Grassroots Awards ceremony.

Graham Ireton, who has managed Wigginton Grasshoppers for the last decade, was the recipient of the ‘We only do positive: Respect’ award and was recognised for promoting positivity and respect throughout the game.

The Joseph Rowntree School teacher, who is also the press and results secretary for the York Minster Engineering Football League, was nominated for the accolade by local referees who said that Ireton always makes sure that referees were supported and ensures that Wigginton is a place that officials and players are always happy to visit.

There was also deserved recognition for Joe McKechnie, of Copmanthorpe, who was awarded the prize for Volunteer of the Year.

McKechnie has spent the last eight years promoting, fundraising and helping to provide opportunities for players with cerebral palsy.

His determination to develop a strong cerebral palsy team for players from the North East and Yorkshire has paid off and he has achieved this through finding funding, purchasing equipment, promoting the team via media outlets and continually looking for players.

Laura Dyson, from Strensall Tigers, was recognised as the county’s Supporter of the Year.

Her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to the club was highlighted, along with her commitment to making sure that every player at the club feels valued.

The County FA recognised how she has developed the social side of Strensall Tigers and how she managed to raise over £2,000 to allow 17 families to go away and support the Tigers in a recent football tournament.

The event, which is run in conjunction with McDonalds, was held at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium and honoured people county wide for their services to football in a range of roles, from supporters to referees.

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